New Academic Program Approval Process
All Main Campus new academic program proposals (new degree majors and/or certificates) must be reviewed and approved through the Academic Affairs office within the Office of the Provost. Undergraduate minors do not require Board of Directors approval and can be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) via the Minor Creation form with department approval. After the new program proposal and budget has been reviewed and approved by the Provost and Main Campus Finance Office, the documents can be prepared by the Provost Office to be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Upon Board approval, the program director will need to submit a Program Request Form to the Office of the University Registrar.
New program proposals should be submitted and approved by the Provost Office at least nine months prior to the start of the first term of the program. Program developers should work with their school or college to receive the appropriate internal approvals to ensure they meet this deadline before submitting to the Board of Directors. Additional assistance for proposal development is offered to program directors by the Provost Office through the New Academic Program Workshops held each semester.
The University Registrar is responsible for submitting new program curricular information to the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission (DC HELC). All new programs must be published in their respective academic bulletin before being submitted to DC-HELC for approval. Any non-standard program calendars must also be approved by the OUR before submitting to the DC HELC. DC HELC approval and disclosure is a requirement for the disbursement of Federal funds on behalf of students. Programs should consult with the OUR before advertising and admitting students to new programs. As a result, students may receive federally-subsidized loans and veterans’ benefits. Departments should consult with the OUR before advertising and admitting students to new programs.
Please contact Dr. Tammi Damas, Director of Education and Academic Affairs, for information regarding the new academic program approval process. For additional questions on academic program development after Board approval or state authorization, please contact Amanda Ruthven, OUR Deputy Registrar, or Johanna Riemen, Associate Director for Curriculum, Scheduling, and Program Planning.
Informational Charts on Approval Process for New Academic Programs: